"I need to talk to you." Harry said the day after Valentine's day as he approached me, Lisa, and Anthony in the Library before afternoon classes. The three of us looked up from our schoolwork.
"What is it Harry? What's wrong?" I asked, noticing the nervous look on his face, as well as on both Ron and Hermione's.
"Yeah, what's wrong?" Lisa added. "You three look like you've seen a ghost or something, and not the kind ghost's that wander the corridors."
"I...can we find somewhere private?" Harry requested. The three of us shared a look, then I nodded.
"Sure..." I replied, getting more worried by the second. Harry, Ron, and Hermione then urged us to follow them. They led us to a unused classroom, made sure it was empty, and then closed the door.
"Hagrid...he's the one who opened the Chamber of Secret's fifty years ago." Harry said after a long pause.
"Wh...what? Harry...don't joke like that. "I replied after I had processed what Harry had just said.
"No...It's true...I...Tom Riddle's diary told me." Harry continued, and again there was a long pause.
"I...I beg your pardon?" Anthony asked, and Harry let out a long sigh.
"It's a long story...but last night...I wrote in the Diary." Harry began. Again me, Lisa, and Anthony all shared confused looks.
"Wrote...in the empty diary?" Lisa asked.
"Yes...just...let me explain. Okay?" Harry pleaded, clearly already having had the same questions from Ron and Hermione.
"O...Okay. Just, how does you writing in that Diary mean Hagrid opened the chamber fifty years ago?" I asked, still lost on where this was heading.
"The diary can talk back...write back." Harry replied, and all of us again exchanged confused looks.
"Write...back?" Anthony asked.
"Yes...just...I'll explain. So last night, I wrote in the diary. My ink disappeared, and the Diary wrote back. And then...well. I asked the diary, Tom Riddle I assume, about the Chamber of Secrets. He said that he caught who opened it, and then offered to show me the memory." Harry explained, and all our eyes widened.
"Showed you a memory?" Lisa asked.
"Like a Pensieve." Anthony said suddenly, while stroking his chin.
"A Pensieve?" Harry asked.
"A device that allows one to store memories and view them later. There very rare, but I've heard of them before." Anthony explained, and Harry shrugged.
"I don't know if this diary is some type of Pensieve then, or something else but...it showed me fifty years ago. It showed me this, Tom Riddle, go to the headmaster before Dumbledore. He was a muggle born orphan, and clearly was scared the school was going to close down."
"That...make's sense." I admit, knowing if the school was in danger of being closed, I'd do anything to keep it open.
"Yeah." Harry sighs. "Anyways Tom asked the former headmaster, Dippet if I remember correctly, that if the attacks stopped then the school could stay open. Dippet was confused and asked Tom if he'd knew anything, and Tom said no...but he did. He...went to Hagrid...I saw some sort of monster Hagrid was keeping...he said he had to turn Hagrid in." Harry continued.
"That's...why Hagrid was expelled." I gathered.
"I...think so." Harry replied. "Even Tom admitted, in the memory, that Hagrid never wanted anyone dead. But...we all know Hagrid. He housed a Dragon last year for goodness sake. Maybe...maybe he accidently let something out again?"
There was a loud silence as we all took in this information.
"Riddle might have got the wrong person," Hermione finally interjected. "Maybe it was some other monster that was attacking people…"
"We always knew Hagrid had been expelled," Harry said miserably. "And the attacks must've stopped after Hagrid was kicked out. Otherwise, Riddle wouldn't have got his award."
"Yeah. I love Hagrid...but he had to be expelled for something...this must be it." I sighed. "Heck, maybe he can't control the monster anymore...maybe it's like a raging pet. I doubt Hagrid is meaning to hurt anyone."
"Of course not...but look at what happened to you all in the forest last year." Anthony said thoughtfully. "What's dangerous to children, may not be dangerous to him"
There was another round of awkward silence.
"Riddle does sound like Percy—who asked him to squeal on Hagrid, anyway?" Ron asked
"But the monster had killed someone, Ron," Hermione replied.
"And Riddle was going to go back to some Muggle orphanage if they closed Hogwarts," Harry said. "I don't blame him for wanting to stay here."
"I don't either." I sighed.
"You met Hagrid down Knockturn Alley, didn't you, Harry?" Ron asked quietly.
"He was buying a Flesh-Eating Slug Repellent," Harry replied quickly, defending him.
"Still." Anthony interjected. "Knockturn Alley is...not the the place most civilized people would go. It's another warning sign...not that Hagrid is intentionally doing anything wrong but..."
Another awkward silence descended upon the six of us.
"Do you think we should go and ask Hagrid about it all?" Hermione asked nervously. We all shared another look.
"That'd be a cheerful visit," Ron said. "Hello, Hagrid. Tell us, have you been setting anything mad and hairy loose in the castle lately?›"
There was another long pause. Sure, did some facts add up that Hagrid had opened the Chamber fifty years ago? Yes. Could he have done it again? I suppose. But that doesn't make any sense. Hagrid has been nothing but kind and friendly to everyone. And even if he had accidently let something out of the Chamber again, surely he would have told Dumbledore what it was.
"I...still don't think it's Hagrid. I mean, it just doesn't make any sense...he wouldn't hurt anyone purposefully. And if he did let something out accidently...he would have said something to us or at least told Dumbledore. The school would at least know what the monster was." I said, just not able to see Hagrid as the heir.
"I...I guess...we don't have to talk to Hagrid. Unless there's another attack." Harry stuttered. We all looked around and nodded.
"Even if want you saw was true...it still doesn't seem like Hagrid could be the heir." Anthony said.
"It doesn't seem like him at all." Lisa added.
We all looked to each other, and nodded.
"Agreed." Hermione said. "Unless we don't have a choise...if there's another attack. Then we'll talk to him. Until then..."
"We forget this all happened." Ron finished.
We all nodded, the bell chimed to signal that afternoon classes where about to happen, and we all left the room. Not mentioning Hagrid or the fact he may be the heir for the rest of the day.
The weeks passed, and despite the fear in the castle. Nothing happened. There weren't any attacks, no hints of attacks, nothing...and everyone finally started to let there guard again. Most thought the heir, whomever it was, had lost there nerve and were done. Some weren't totally convinced, but everyone was a lot less weary. Finally, it seemed that thing were looking up.
The best part was it seemed the school had finally started to leave me and Harry alone. Peeves had stopped his "Oh, Potters, you rotters" song wherever me and Harry went. Ernie had finally stopped being a git. He hadn't joined in nearly as much with Smith's tirade's.
The best news came in mid march, when we overheard Professor Sprout say that the Mandrakes had thrown a party in greenhouse three. How plants partied? I had no idea, but Professor Sprout was very happy that they did.
"The moment they start trying to move into each other's pots, we'll know they're fully mature," she told me and Harry as we walked through the greenhouse one day. "Then we'll be able to revive those poor people in the hospital wing."
As Professor Sprout walked away me and Harry shared a look.
"Maybe they'll be able to tell who attacked them? Us and Hagrid could be cleared." I told Harry hopefully.
"I hope so too Sarah." Harry said as we walked back inside.
As the Easter holidays arrived, there was only one thing on the mind of every second year. What classes to take next year?
We couldn't drop any classes, not that I wanted to, but finally we would be able to take electives.
"So, what classes are you two thinking of taking?" Lisa asked me and Anthony curiously as we looked over the available options.
"I don't know yet. All of them sound interesting." I replied as I scanned the five available electives.
First was Care of Magical Creatures. The class was self explanatory. You'd learn about magical creatures, how to take care of them, there magical properties, etc. Morag had been particularly excited about this class, and had instantly sighed up for it as soon as we had gotten the form from Professor Flitwick.
The next option was Divination. The art of predicting the future. I was instantly intrigued, reading the future. It sounded incredibly useful to know. Though Anthony had told me that you needed something called the "Inner Eye." For divination to be useful. Still...what if I did have this "Inner Eye." I couldn't not take the class.
Next was Muggle Studies, which was simply the study of the Muggle World from the Wizarding perspective. Though Anthony said that the class was simply for Pure Bloods, and Half Blood who wanted to be able to function in the muggle world, I still thought it would be useful to see how wizards saw the muggle world. Besides, it would be a easy pass, and seeing as Michael and Terry were both taking it for that reason...if I did take it, it would at least be entertaining with those two in it.
Study of Ancient Runes was the fourth option. As the name suggested, the class involved studying, translating, and eventually using runic scripts in your magic. Supposedly many magical artifacts used runes. Supposedly the Ministry sometimes used personal runes in place of a traditional signature, such as Anthony's father using them in his work at the Department of Mysteries, one of the few things Anthony's father was allowed to say about his job.
The final option was Arithmancy. Which, as the name suggested, was the properties of number and there magical properties. From what some older years had said, this class was difficult and required memorizing many different charts and graphs. Still, I had never been one to back away from a academic challenge. The same older students also said that once you understood the subject, the information could be really useful.
Now the question was, what to take?
"Well, what are you two planning to take?" I asked Anthony and Lisa.
"I...have no idea. Care of Magical creatures sounds fun." Lisa began. "And muggle studies would be a cake walk but the rest...sound hard."
"Just because there hard, doesn't mean you shouldn't try and test yourself." Anthony encouraged her. "If you want my advice...don't take muggle studies. It won't help you any, and though it would be easy...is that really what you want? A world of magic and you're learning what our world thinks of muggles. Don't get me wrong, muggle studies can be useful, but only to those who have never lived in the muggle world before."
"Fine." Lisa groaned. "How many classes should we take?" She asked.
"The suggested number is two, though I've heard some take three..."
"What if you want to pick them all?" I asked, and Anthony turned to me with a raised eyebrow.
"All of them? Sarah that's crazy, even for us Ravenclaw's. And I don't think the schedule would allow you to take them all." Anthony replied and I sighed.
"But I can't choose. There all so interesting sounding." I said, biting my bottom lip. "What would happen if I did sign up for all of them. I mean...I know some students have gotten all twelve. Like Ron's oldest brother Bill."
Anthony thought. "I have no idea how Bill Weasley would have managed to fit twelve classes into his schedule. Maybe there's a way? Not that I would do it, I mean, twelve classes...that's a lot for anyone to handle."
"I know but, why not give it a shot?" I replied as I looked down at the form. "What's the worst that could happen? I drop muggle studies fourth year, or Professor Flitwick pulls me aside and says it's not possible."
"I guess there's nothing saying you can't check all the boxes." Anthony replied. "I mean, I think it would be insane, but don't let me stop you."
I chuckled. "Fair enough." I replied as I checked every box causing Lisa's eyes to widen.
"You're...really going to try?" She asked.
"Yeah, why not." I replied.
"Your mental health," Lisa replied bluntly before shrugging. "But it's your decision." She finished, checking Care of Magical creatures, Divination, and Arithmancy. Anthony, for his part, chose Care of Magical creatures, Divination, and Ancient Runes.
"Well, that's done." I said as we all placed our form into the return slot Flitwick had placed near the common room entrance. "Now, I need some help of McGonagall's essay. If you two don't mind..."
And for the rest of the evening I struggled as Anthony tried to patiently help, and Lisa tried not to snicker.
Ginny Weasley was frantically searching.
Ever since she'd seen the diary of Tom Riddle in Harry's possession she'd been unable the think of anything else. It was dangerous, making her black out and then wake up again. At first it seemed nice...Tom...but now she was scared of it.
But she had to save Harry from it.
But despite having torn the 2nd year boy's Gryffindor common room apart, searching in Harry's robe pocket, his trunk, his bed sheets...Ginny couldn't find the diary anywhere!
"Where'd he put it?" Ginny asked herself in a whisper, horror in her words.
But after nearly a hour of looking...she couldn't find it. And she knew Harry would be back soon...
"Darn it." Ginny muttered to herself as she quickly left the dorm room as she heard Fred and George's voice downstairs in the common room...a tell tell sign that the Gryffindor Quidditch Team was done with practice and her time to look was up.
So with that Ginny left the Dorm, leaving it a mess, as was her emotions and mental state...
Without the Diary of Tom Riddle. And she had no idea where it currently was.
Gilderoy Lockhart stepped into the back room of the Hogs Head bar, his face beaming as he placed a old diary on the table.
"Well done Gilderoy." A masked figure sitting across from him said.
"Well done indeed." A much more sinister voice said, a voice without a body. "Now, take out a Quill, and let me speak..."
"Miss Weasley" Professor Lockhart said when he saw Ginny Weasley early the next morning in the corridors "I believe you dropped this? I saw you writing in it the other day." Professor Lockhart smiled as he handed her Tom Riddle's diary back to her.
And before Ginny could scream, or tell the Professor what it was, she heard Tom's voice...and followed Tom's orders.
Me, Anthony, and Lisa made our way down to the Great Hall excitedly, because today was the day of the Gryffindor, Hufflepuff Quidditch game. Even though I was still rather down from how our match vs Slytherin ended, I was looking forward to Harry and Gryffindor beating Hufflepuff for two reasons. One, I would always support my twin brother, and two, seeing Zacharias Smith dejected was like a nice glass of Orange Juice on a hot summer day, it just was nice.
As we entered the Entrance hall we saw Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Harry looked more nervous than usual, so we walked over to him.
"Don't worry Harry. You'll do great!" I told him warmly, trying to lighten his sprits.
"Yeah, you're a veteran now. You've got this." Anthony added.
"Thanks guys, but it's not the match I'm worried about." Harry replied with a sigh.
Me, Lisa, and Anthony shared a confused look.
"What's wrong?" Lisa asked, raising a curious eyebrow.
Harry, Ron and Hermione then shared a look as finally Ron spoke.
"Someone went through Harry's things in his room while he was at Quidditch practice last night. His chest, robe pockets, everything." Ron explained.
"Oh no. Harry have you told somebody? Was anything stolen?" I asked worriedly.
"Just one thing." Harry replied frowning. "I'm sure you can figure it out." Harry replies.
Me, Anthony, and Lisa are all confused for a moment before it comes to us.
"Tom Riddle's diary?" Anthony says surely, as the trio of Gryffindor nod.
"Yes. It's gone. Someone has to have known what it was, and stolen it." Harry replied.
"Have you reported a theft to a Professor?" Lisa asked, and Harry shook his head.
"No. Then I'd have to explain about the vision, and Hagrid and...I don't want to bring that all up again. I'm not going to tell anyone." Harry replies firmly.
"Believe me, I've tried." Hermione interjected.
There was another moment of silence, then I nodded.
"Well...we'll keep an eye out for it...though only a Gryffindor could have gotten into your common room." I say, and Harry nodded.
"We know, thank you. If you three find it just tell me."
"We will. And again, good luck today." Anthony says.
"Thanks." Harry says, a soft smile as the six of us walk into the Great Hall and sit at our respective tables.
After a good breakfast. Where Michael and Terry were going off about how excited they were to see the crazy finish that Harry pulls of this time, we again meet Harry, Ron, and Hermione.
"We'll meet you down there?" Lisa asks Ron and Hermione.
"Yeah we wi..." Ron was saying, but before the conversation could continue Harry stopped right on the first step of the marble staircase, his eyes widening in worry and fear.
"The voice!" Harry said suddenly, looking over his shoulder "I just heard it again – didn't you?" Harry asked the five of us.
Ron shook his head, while me, Anthony, and Lisa looked around confused and nervous...but Hermione eyes widened. Seemingly understanding something...
"Harry – I think I've just understood something! I've got to go to the library!' Hermione said suddenly, and before any of us could ask what she meant she sprinted off up the stairs.
"What does she understand?" Harry asked, still looking around for this supposed voice.
"Loads more than I do," Ron replied with a shrug, and shake of his head.
"But why's she got to go to the library?' Harry asked confused, while also still looking around.
"Because that's what Hermione does," Ron replied with another shrug. "When in doubt, go to the library."
"Well going to the library is a very informative activity." Lisa said as Harry finally seemed to be calming down.
"For you three maybe, like I say, it makes sense for Ravenclaw's to go to the library. You're all bookworms, but Hermione is a Gryffindor..." Ron replied.
"Ron, how many times do we have to tell you that we're not just a bunch of book nerds." Anthony said, and Ron shrugged and smirked lightly.
"Could have fooled me." Ron chuckles, then turns to Harry. "You'd better get moving, It's nearly eleven – the match.' Ron said, as behind us the door's to the great hall opened and everyone was happily chatting and making there way down to the Quidditch pitch.
Harry's eyes widened as he realized the time and bolted up the stairs.
"Was he always like this growing up? Running late?" Lisa asked as we watched him disappear around a corner.
"Pretty much." I shook my head with a amused grin and turned to Ron. "Well will see you down there Ron." I said, he nodded as the three of us joined our fellow Ravenclaw's making our way down to the pitch. However before we could make it out of the castle, Smith strutted over, a cocky grin.
"You ready to see your brother get crushed today Potter?" Smith asked with a cocky grin.
I sighed. As Anthony Rolled his eyes. "Merlin Smith, just leave her alone." Anthony said.
"Stay out of this Goldstein!" Smith shouted and turned to me. "Hufflepuff is going to crush Gryffindor, and I'm going to enjoy rubbing it in your annoying face..."
Smith began his usual ranting, but before he could continue, Lisa seemingly had enough and pulled out her wand.
"Expelliarmus!" Lisa shouted, Smith's cocky Grin was instantly replaced by his eyes widening as he was hit by the spell and sit flying and hitting the wall with a loud thump in front of dozens of students.
Including Penelope...
"Miss Turpin!" Penelope said, a annoyed scowl on her face. While Lisa had to resist the urge to roll her eyes.
"Come now Penelope, you know he deserved it." Lisa said, glancing with a smirk at Smith who was just now getting to his feet, his hair ruined and his robes now disheveled.
Penelope sighed. She hated Smith like everyone else who knew me, but she was also a rule follower in the same vain as Percy...
"Nothing justifies attacking a fellow student Miss Turpin, no matter how...annoying." She says with barley concealed disgust of Smith. "I'll have to ask you to come with me to see Professor Flitwick."
Lisa wanted to protest at first, but seeing Penelope wasn't going to budge, sighed.
"Fine." Lisa said.
"Good. I have to drop a book down at the library. Then we'll go see him. Come." Penelope motioned for Lisa to follow.
"Totally worth it." Lisa whispered to me and Lisa in her usual smirk, then followed Penelope down the corridor and out of sight.
Anthony sighed. "Lisa, Lisa, Lisa." He said shaking his head.
"It was pretty funny...Smith was so embarrassed he's already left." I said amused, as I motioned with my head...Smith running down the path towards the Quidditch pitch.
"Yeah, but now she'll have detention, and I'll have to catch her up again..." Anthony gave me a knowing look.
I could only shrug and chuckle. "Yeah...anyways nothing to do about it now. Lets get down to the pitch, I don't want to miss Harry making Smith's day even worse."
"Yeah, hopefully the match is long enough so Lisa doesn't miss all of it." Anthony says
The two of us then raced down to the Pitch and joined our fellow Ravenclaw's in the stands. Michael and Terry watched excitedly, Morag and Mandy were busy talking about some creatures Morag was sure she just saw in the forbidden forest, while Padma had gone off to hang with Parvati in the Gryffindor section.
"Well lets see what your brother's going to pull out of his sleeve this time Sarah." Michael says excitedly.
Both teams walk onto the pitch and the crowd goes crazy with applause. I see Harry, he seems nervous as always. But he finds me in the crowd and I give him a encouraging smile and nod.
"Yeah, I wonder what crazy finish he's got in store this time." Terry replies to Michael, snapping me back to the conversation.
"We'll have to see, but he's got some crazy plan I'm sure." I reply with a amused grin as the two teams mount there brooms, the game about to begin.
But before it can Professor McGonagall comes marching out onto the Pitch. And starts to shout into a purple megaphone. Her voice stern and firm.
"This match has been cancelled," Professor McGonagall announced to the crowd.
Me and Anthony shared a confused look.
"Cancelled?" Anthony asks confused.
"Do...do you think it has to do with the voices Harry was hearing earlier?" I ask so that only Anthony can hear me. "Do...do you think there was another attack?"
Anthony goes from confused to nervous...
"Surely not...no one is in the school..." Anthony begins to stutter out before freezing.
Hermione had rushed to the Library alone...Lisa had been taken away by Penelope...all three girls were Muggle Born...but...but surely they were all fine. Right?
"They...Lisa, Penelope, were together...and Hermione...surely she's fine to." I reply. Though both me and Anthony had paled considerably.
Around us, our fellow students were not happy. Michael and Terry were both booing loudly, and complaining that you can't cancel Quidditch. On the Pitch Oliver Wood, the Gryffindor team captain, had gone over and tried to plead with Professor McGonagall, but she ignored him and continued...
"All students are to make their way back to the house common rooms, where their Heads of Houses will give them further information. As quickly as you can, please!' Professor McGonagall ordered with no room for argument. Reluctantly many did as she said...but before me and Anthony could go to far...Professor Flitwick seemed to show up out of nowhere.
"Miss Potter, Mr. Goldstein. Please come with me." Professor Flitwick says in a somber tone
I felt sick, Anthony looked pale. Surely Lisa wasn't attacked...she...she was with Penelope? She had to be fine right...
We both nodded and followed Professor Flitwick, all our house mates now looked worried as Professor Flitwick led us out on the pitch, and found Professor McGonagall whom had got Harry and Ron whom both looked equally nervous and confused as we were.
"I've got them Minerva." Professor Flitwick told Professor McGonagall.
"Thank you Filius. I'll take them from here." Professor McGonagall replies.
Professor Flitwick nods, then give the four of us a sad look as he walks off. Meanwhile Professor McGonagall motions for us to follow. The four of us shared nervous looks, all of us wondering where we were going and what was going on.
Eventually, it became clear where we were heading, the hospital wing. My heart almost stopped, I saw Anthony fidget, both Harry and Ron didn't seem to realize what had happened. As finally Professor McGonagall spoke
"This will be a bit of a shock, There has been another attack … this time a triple attack." Professor McGonagall explained in the most gentle tone I'd ever heard from her.
I felt like I was going to puke as Professor McGonagall pushed open the doors to the hospital wing...and I nearly did puke.
In the First bed was Penelope, the second bed was Hermione, and the third...
"Lisa!" Anthony said in horror.
'Hermione!' Ron said at the same time.
They were all stiff as a statue. Lisa's eyes were closed in terror, Penelope just looks confused, while Hermione's were wide with shock.
"They were found near the library." Professor McGonagall explained, still being very gentle with us. "I don't suppose any of you can explain this? It was on the floor next to them …'
Both Harry and Ron shook there head, both staring at Hermione in shock. While Anthony was was to much of a mess over Lisa to even realize what it was...so I spoke.
"That's Penelope's hand mirror." I said shakily. "She always has it on her...but...I don't know why she'd have it out during the day."
Professor McGonagall simply nodded and took a mental note of that, then spoke.
"I will escort you two..." She motioned to me and Anthony. "...Back to the entrance of Ravenclaw tower. 'I will then escort you two..." She motions to Harry and Ron "...back to Gryffindor Tower. I need to address the students in any case." Professor McGonagall explains heavily.
We all can do nothing but nod as Professor McGonagall leads us out of the Hospital wing, she drops us off at the Ravenclaw common room and tell us Professor Flitwick will explain the new rules to us, then walks off with Harry and Ron in tow.
We enter the Ravenclaw common room, not having to do a riddle as Professor Flitwick is waiting for us. He lets us in...and we see the whole house has gathered. We can see looks of sadness and Pity directed at both us, and the sixth year Ravenclaw's with whom Penelope is close with...
"Can everyone hear me?" Professor Flitwick asks in a somber tone as me and Anthony take our place with the other second years...minus Lisa...
"Yes Professor." A prefect replies. Indeed the whole room is silent...shocked...and listening to Professor Flitwick.
"Good. With this most recent attack, new rules are being implemented. They are as follows." Professor Flitwick begins as he unrolls a long piece of parchment, and starts to read from it.
"All students will return to their house common rooms by six o'clock in the evening. No student is to leave the dormitories after that time. You will be escorted to each lesson by a teacher. No student is to use the bathroom unaccompanied by a teacher. All further Quidditch training and matches are to be postponed. There will be no more evening activities." Professor Flitwick says in a very somber, sad, and serious tone. He rolls back up the parchment then turns to all us seriously.
"If I may be frank. Unless the heir is caught, or the attacks end, Hogwarts is in real danger of being closed permanently. If anyone of you..." Professor looks around the room, almost a pleading look on his face. "...knows anything, please come talk to me. And all of you stay safe." Professor Flitwick finishes, as he turns and walks out of the common room.
With that everyone jumped into speculation. With Lisa, and Penelope having been attacked...two Ravenclaw's, it's all very tense and emotional.
"I say we throw every Slytherin out of the castle and see if the attacks stop." Michael says angerly.
"You can't do that, not everyone in Slytherin is bad Michael." Padma replies firmly.
"Two of our housemates, one of your dormmates, as been attacked. We cant do half measures any more." Terry says.
"You two are being unreasonable..." Padma says.
As our housemates go back and forth me and Anthony our to in shock, upset, to really say anything...finally Roger and Cho came up to us, both with concerned looks on there faces.
"Hey...are you two okay?" Roger asks softly, Anthony shakes his head...while I try and hold back tears.
"No." I reply simply, Roger and Cho simply nod.
"It'll be okay...Madam Pomfrey will have them cured in no time." Cho tries to assure us.
"We...we hope you're right." Anthony says.
With that the Cho gives us both a comforting pat on the shoulder, while Roger simply sighs then walks over the the sixth year girls crying over Penelope...
Me and Anthony just...sat there...on the couch in shock. As eventually Michael, Terry, Padma, noticed how bad we were doing...
"Guy's...Lisa will be fine." Padma tries to assure us. Both of us shared a look.
"Yeah...we...just need a moment Padma." I finally speak. They all nod.
"Just...where here for you." Mandy said.
A couple hours passed as me and Anthony just sat on the couch. Both of us must have been pretty pale because we kept getting older students giving us pats on the back, trying to cheer us up. But nothing was working...I felt sick, Anthony looked near tears...as eventually everyone else went to bed...leaving just us in the Common Room...and I thought...
I thought about Lisa, about Hermione, and Penelope. Of all the accusations, and of the attacks. The voices Harry heard but no one else heard, and I thought about the Diary of Tom Riddle, and how it showed Hagrid...
Hagrid. The only lead, the only person whom had any remote connection to fifty years ago. I...I had to talk to him...I had to know if he knew anything. I had to...for Lisa, Hermione, everyone...
I had to right now. So I stood, and began walking towards the common room door.
"Where are you going?" Anthony asked in shock.
"I'm going to talk with Hagrid." I said firmly. Anthony's eyes widened in shock.
"B...but Professor Flitwick said we couldn't leave the common room?!" Anthony replied in shock.
"Yeah, but...I need to figure out who the heir is. Our friends...everyone in that hospital wing deserves justice, and...and I can't let Hogwarts close...I can't go back to the Dursleys' Twenty Four, Seven. So...So I have to." I reply, both scared at the thought of going out at night and breaking the rules, but determined.
"But what if you're caught?"
"Then I'll say I was going to see Lisa...and...and they'll probably be mad and give me detention...but given it was some of my closest friends who were attacked, they'll probably think I'm just not thinking right, which I totally admit I'm not."
Anthony sighed and stood.
"Well that makes two of us."
"Wait...you're going with me?!" I asked in shock.
"Of course Sarah, you're my friend." Anthony replied with a sad smile. "Besides...Lisa...she's my friend too...as is Hermione and Penelope...I...even if there's a one percent chance Hagrid can help us answer this..." Anthony replied shakily, also scared at the thought, but determined to help me.
I smiled. "This is a really stupid idea, I admit that. Are your sure?"
"I am." Anthony replied firmly.
"Then let's go..." I replied. As the two of us quietly exited the common room, and making our way down the spiral staircase into the empty corridors.
Well, usually empty, the corridors were filled with patrols of Professor's, Prefects, and ghosts. We both looked at each other, knowing we were most likely going to get caught, but at this point not really caring.
We turned a corner, and saw the light of a Lumos ahead from a Professor, Professor Vector to be precise, coming closer...she was surely going to see us when suddenly someone pulled us under something and told us to shh, until Professor Vector passed...then we turned and saw it was Harry and Ron, and we were under our fathers invisibility cloak.
"Harry? What are you doing?" I asked in shocked whisper.
"We can ask you two the same thing, what are you two thinking...sneaking around?" Ron replied.
"Like you two are right now?" Anthony replied with a smirk.
"Yeah, but we have the invisibility cloak." Harry replied.
"And now so do we." I replied, looking at the fabric around us. "Now what are you doing?"
Harry and Ron shared a look, then nodded. "We're going to see Hagrid." Harry replied, and now we nodded.
"So are we." I answered. "If...if that diary even has a one percent chance of being right...even if Hagrid accidently let the monster out of the Chamber...then we had to try...for Lisa, Hermione, and Penelope."
"Well then stay quiet and under the cloak." Ron said, me and Anthony both nodded as the four of us began to slowly move through the corridors, trying not to make much noise.
"I have to admit...this is so unlike both of you." Harry told both me and Anthony.
"I know." I admit. "We're not at all acting like Ravenclaw's right now."
"Don't get us wrong, we admit this is reckless and stupid...but Lisa is worth it, as is Hermione and Penelope." Anthony added.
Both Ron and Harry nodded, understanding.
"Yes." Harry said. "They are, as is everyone else still petrified."
Me and Anthony both nodded as we all got quiet and just focused on not getting caught.
It was a slow journey through the dark corridors. Everywhere you turned was another patrol of Professor's or a ghost. One time Ron accidently stubbed his toe as we were passing Professor Snape, but luckily Professor Snape sneezed right at that moment and the four of us were able to pass without being caught.
Eventually we finally made it out of the castle and our onto the dark grounds. It was a beautiful, clear, starry night, but the beauty of nature didn't ease the tension the four of us as we approached Hagrid's hut, took off the cloak, and knocked on his front door.
Within seconds the door opened, and I had to hold back a scream as Hagrid appeared, aiming his crossbow straight at the four of us...
"Oh," Hagrid said and lowered the weapon as he realized it was just us. "What're you four doin' here?"
"We need to talk with you Hagrid." I replied as soon as I collected myself.
Hagrid simply nodded and motioned us inside.
"What's that for?" Harry asked, pointing at the crossbow as the four of us entered the cabin.
"And why did you point it at us?" Anthony added.
"Sorry, sorry. Didn' realize it was yeh. I thought it was.." Hagrid replied then cut ho, self off. "Nothin' ... nothin',' Hagrid muttered. 'I've bin expectin' ... doesn' matter ... Sit down ... I'll make tea ..."
The four of us shared another look. It was clear Hagrid was nervous about something. Was he really the one who had released the monster? Surely not...it couldn't be.
Still, his nerves effected him badly. As he was trying to make the tea, he nearly put the kettles fire out by dousing it, and accidently smashed the kettle when his massive hand suddenly flinched. And it was obvious...he was a wreck and I felt horrible for him.
"Are you OK, Hagrid?" Harry asked what we were all thinking. "Did you hear about Hermione and Lisa?"
"Hermione an' Lisa?' 'Oh, I heard, all righ'," Hagrid replies, his voice breaking for a moment.
Hagrid kept glancing nervously at the windows as he poured the four of us cups of boiling water, so out of it having forgotten to add the tea, and had just put a massive piece of his fruitcake onto a plate when there was a knock at the door...
Hagrid dropped the fruitcake, the four of us gave each other terrified looks, as Harry threw the invisibility cloak back over the four of us and led us into the corner of the hut. After making sure we were hidden, Hagrid grabbed his crossbow and opened the door.
"Good evening, Hagrid." Said the soft but serious voice of Professor Dumbledore. Whom was followed by a very odd looking man..
He was short, overweight, old with grey hair and a very nervous expression. He worse a pinstriped suit, a red tie, had a long black cloak, and had a hideous looking lime-green bowler hat which he was carrying under his arm.
"That's Dad's boss!" Ron whispered frantically. "Cornelius Fudge, the Minister of Magic!"
I remember Hagrid having told us about Minister Fudge when he first picked as up before our first year. How he was always asking for advice from Dumbledore. I also remember calling him a Bungler...
And now Hagrid was pale and sweaty as he sat into one of his chairs, looking back and forth between Professor Dumbledore and Fudge. I had to resist the urge to go over and hug him...only Anthony putting a hand on my shoulder and shaking his head held me back.
"Bad business, Hagrid," Fudge said in a very short and stern way. "Very bad business. Had to come. Four attacks on Muggle-borns. Things've gone far enough. Ministry's got to act."
"I never," Hagrid replied, looking at Dumbledore with a pleading look. "You know I never, Professor Dumbledore, sir ..."
"I want it understood, Cornelius, that Hagrid has my full confidence," Dumbledore told Fudge in a very stern and firm voice. Clearly Dumbledore was not happy with what was happening.
"Look, Albus," Fudge replied, clearly uncomfortable as he fidgeted and avoided Dumbledore's gaze. "Hagrid's record's against him. Ministry's got to do something – the school governors have been in touch."
"Yet again, Cornelius, I tell you that taking Hagrid away will not help in the slightest," Dumbledore replied, and despite his calm voice I could tell Dumbledore was furious.
"Look at it from my point of view," Fudge replied as he fidgeted with his hat. "I'm under a lot of pressure. Got to be seen to be doing something. If it turns out it wasn't Hagrid, he'll be back and no more said. But I've got to take him. Got to. Wouldn't be doing my duty –"
My stomach dropped...Take Hagrid? Where?
And Hagrid seemed to be thinking the same thing...
"Take me?" Hagrid asked, shaking in terror. "Take me where?"
"For a short stretch only," Fudge replied, now refused to meet Hagrid's gaze. "Not a punishment, Hagrid, more a precaution. If someone else is caught, you'll be let out with a full apology ..."
"Not Azkaban?" Hagrid asked in terror, and I was confused Askaban?
"The Wizarding prison, a horrible place." Anthony told me in a very quiet whisper as he noticed my confused expression. As both Ron and Harry nodded...and I felt even sicker...I really wanted to march out of the cloak and yet at Fudge...but Harry now held me back, a gentle arm on my hand.
But before Fudge could confirm that's where he was taking Hagrid, there was another knock on the door. This time Dumbledore answered the door, and Ron had to elbow Harry to stop him from gasping to loud...
It was Lucius Malfoy, Draco's dad...and he walked into the hut. Wearing a dark cloak, wielding his cane, and had a cold, dark smile etched on his face...Fang growling at the man while Lucius ignored the dog.
"Already here, Fudge," Lucius said with a cold smile. "Good, good ..."
"What're you doin' here?" Hagrid asked Lucius furiously "Get outta my house!"
"My dear man, please believe me, I have no pleasure at all in being inside your – er – d'you call this a house?" Lucius began, looking around the small in disgust. "I simply called at the school and was told that the Headmaster was here."
"And what exactly did you want with me, Lucius?" Dumbledore asked in a polite tone, but the look in his eyes made it clear he wasn't in his usual, pleasant, mood.
"Dreadful thing, Dumbledore," Lucius began in a lazy tone as he took out a long piece of parchment from his robe pockets. 'but the governors feel it's time for you to step aside. This is an Order of Suspension – you'll find all twelve signatures on it. I'm afraid we feel you're losing your touch. How many attacks have there been now? Three more this afternoon, wasn't it? At this rate, there'll be no Muggle-borns left at Hogwarts, and we all know what an awful loss that would be to the school."
I put a hand over my mouth...Dumbledore...gone...and not to mention Hagrid. Add that on top of Hermione, Lisa, and Penelope...I had to hold back both my anger, and tears.
"Oh, now, see here, Lucius," Fudge interjected in a alarmed tone, saying the first smart thing since he'd entered the cabin. "Dumbledore suspended ... no, no ... last thing we want just now ..."
"The appointment – or suspension – of the Headmaster is a matter for the governors, Fudge," Lucius replied coolly "And as Dumbledore has failed to stop these attacks ..."
"Now look, Lucius, if Dumbledore can't stop them –" Fudge said, whom now was sweating and fidgeting profusely "I mean to say, who can?'
"That remains to be seen," Lucius replies with a wicked grin. "But as all twelve of us have voted ...'
Hagrid got to his feet, furiously standing over Lucius Malfoy who remained calm.
"An' how many did yeh have ter threaten an' blackmail before they agreed, Malfoy, eh?" He asked in a roar.
Lucius didn't look fazed in the slightest. "Dear, dear, you know, that temper of yours will lead you into trouble one of these days, Hagrid," Lucius replied coldly "I would advise you not to shout at the Azkaban guards like that. They won't like it at all."
"Yeh can' take Dumbledore!" Hagrid yelled back, so loudly that Fang started to whimper and whimper from his blanket. "Take him away, an' the Muggle-borns won' stand a chance! There'll be killin's next!'
"Calm yourself, Hagrid," Dumbledore interjected calmly but firmly before turning to Lucius. "If the governors want my removal, Lucius, I shall of course step aside."
Me, Harry, Ron, and Anthony all had to stop ourselves from making shocked sounds...now Dumbledore would be gone too...
Today really was a disaster.
"But –" Fudge stuttered at Dumbledore's decision.
"No!" Hagrid said in a growl.
Dumbledore however hadn't taken his eyes of Lucius as the pair stared at each other...
"However," Dumbledore said slowly, every word clear and concise. "you will find that I will only truly have left this school when none here are loyal to me. You will also find that help will always be given at Hogwarts to those who ask for it." Dumbledore said, and for a split second I thought that he had glanced in our direction.
"Admirable sentiments," Lucius replied coldly with a bow. 'We shall all miss your – er – highly individual way of running things, Albus, and only hope that your successor will manage to prevent any – ah – "killin's".'
Lucius walked over to the door and opened it, motioning for Dumbledore to follow him out. Dumbledore did. Now the only one's left were Fudge and Hagrid. Fudge looking at Hagrid while he was fidgeting with his bowler...as if he was expecting him to go first.
But Hagrid didn't go not yet, first he took a deep breath then spoke.
"If anyone wanted ter find out some stuff, all they'd have ter do would be ter follow the spiders. That'd lead 'em right! That's all I'm sayin'." Hagrid said, and while Fudge stared at Hagrid in total confusion, we all could tell he was talking to us.
"All right, I'm comin'," Hagrid then said after a moment, pulling on his overcoat. But he stopped at the door and said one final thing. "An' someone'll need ter feed Fang while I'm away."
And with that Fudge followed Hagrid out, the door shutting as we were alone and Ron pulled the cloak off of us.
"We're in trouble now," Ron said in a horrified, resigned tone. "No Dumbledore. They might as well close the school tonight. There'll be an attack a day with him gone."
"Calm down...we...we just need to think." Anthony said, but nothing came to him as Fang started to howl and scratch at the door. It only broke my heart more.
"I...we need to get back to our common rooms...we can figure out what to do in the morning." I said, at my mental and emotional breaking point.
Harry, Ron, and Anthony all nodded. We quickly got Fang a large bowl of food, then pulled back on the cloak and started the long sneak back to the castle. Once we arrived Harry, and Ron dropped me and Anthony off at the base of Ravenclaw tower...Harry giving my arm one last gentle assuring squeeze, then Harry and Ron headed off under the cloak, while me and Anthony quickly raced up the stairs, answered a riddle at the bronze eagle door knocker, softly bid each other good night...
Once I got to my dorm, all the other girls in bed...other than Lisa...whose bed was empty...and it hit me...as I silently crawled into bed, and cried myself to sleep. The day's events finally catching up to me.
I wish to apologize for the over 9 months between chapters. In truth I just haven't been into Harry Potter or the fandom, but I promise you this story is not dead and never will be dead.
Thank you all for reading.